Star Wars Battlefront 2 May Get Cosmetic-Only Microtransactions, Insider Says

Star Wars Battlefront 2 doesn’t have Crystal-based microtransactions anymore, and cosmetic paid items may be coming next. This info arrives via reddit’s kravguy, a trusted source believed to be an EA insider. One of the user’s recent posts suggests EA is investigating two alternatives to Battlefront 2 ’s grindy progression system.

Here’s a recap of the options allegedly being debated:

1. Microtransactions will be cosmetic-only : It’s currently the less popular option (at EA) and will only be implemented if sluggish sales and strong backlash compel it.
2. Microtransactions can be used to purchase specific Star Card + cosmetic packs : This means you no longer have to “gamble” to get powerful Star Cards. The source also notes that “boost packages” will be open for purchase that offer more XP and credits.

This provision plan only correlates to the microtransaction content of Star Wars Battlefront 2, not necessarily its randomized loot boxes. EA will still have to tweak things like the parceling out of post-match rewards and the pricing of in-game items to remedy the current gameplay grind. The above options ensure Battlefront 2 isn’t quite as pay-to-win, but that doesn’t make the experience any less “grind-to-play.”

As realistic as these two options sound, both should be met with skepticism. The source is generally regarded as a positive contributor to the Battlefront 2 community, but that doesn’t mean the insider knowledge is accurate. Especially in chaotic situations like these, it’s fairly easy for misinformation to spread, even if the source appears credible. If the above discussion truly is being had, we can expect significant updates to Battlefront 2 in the days and weeks to come.

Last night, Battlefront 2’s publishers at EA announced the removal of the game’s microtransaction Crystal currency via a blog post mere hours before the game’s public launch:

We hear you loud and clear, so we’re turning off all in-game purchases. We will now spend more time listening, adjusting, balancing and tuning. This means that the option to purchase Crystals in the game is now offline, and all progression will be earned through gameplay. The ability to purchase Crystals in-game will become available at a later date, only after we’ve made changes to the game.

The post is being viewed as a partial victory for the thousands of gamers who used social media to mobilize a mountain of backlash against what they saw as anti-consumer practices. The loot crate system even raised questions regarding gambling elements in a product partially marketed to children. This loot crate rebellion is far from over, but there is hope for good things ahead.

Star Wars Battlefront 2 is available now on PS4, Xbox One and PC.

Will Battlefront 2 ever get loot boxes right? What do you think of these microtransaction plans? Tell us in the comments section!